JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3ev034
A colourless gas X is formed from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen in a hot engine. In air X is oxidised to a reddish brown gas Y. In sunlight Y splits into X and a reactive atom Z, and Z combines with OX2 to give a gas W. W is a harmful pollutant at ground level. Identify W and the change in the oxidation state of nitrogen in the conversion of X to Y.
AW = OX3; N changes from +4 to +2
BW = OX3; N changes from +2 to +4
CW = OX3; N changes from +1 to +4
DW = PAN; N changes from +2 to +4
Answer: B
X is NO (from NX2+OX22NO) and Y is NOX2 (brown). NOX2NO+O gives Z = O atom, and O+OX2OX3 gives W = ozone. In 2NO+OX22NOX2 nitrogen goes from +2 to +4.